Holyfield in the Louis era

He'd be the de-facto number 2 of the division, you can argue he beats Louis if they fight multiple times.

 

Schmeling and Baer are the only two who have a chance outside of Joe himself. Baer could get a late stoppage, who knows? But Holyfield is likely sure to win, no less the fight would be one for the ages as Baer's chin and stamina would see him through to the end.

Schmeling on the other hand has a very high chance of making this an even contest, one where I wouldn't feel comfortable picking an outcome.

Guys like Buddy Baer, Lou Nova, even the legendary Billy Conn I believe may make entertaining bouts, but Holyfield shouldn't worry too hard.

 

He loses badly to Louis,

 

I'm pretty sure he would be #2 to Louis only. Holyfield throws every punch in the book.
Speed. Footwork. Defense (when he tried it.. which he only did when he was the underdog).

 

No he doesn't.

 

A non steroid 190 pound Evander is waaay below Joe Louis.

 

No, he's not. Don't be stupid.

 

Given the high turnover at the highest ranks being top 5 is inevitable but that doesn't mean hes one of the best fighters of the era. Savold was in the top 5 semi reguarly and hes barely a top 20 guy for the era and might not even be that.

Holyfield is very good at getting his 5 rounds but I don't see him going the distance with Louis much less beating him.

 

I think the real life Holyfield would be a nightmare for that era but if you are creating a different Holyfield to the one who existed who knows.

 

Insults? okay . Holyfield was 26-10 as a heavyweight,

 

Braddock beats Holyfield most times. John Henry Lewis? Tommy Farr? Lee Murray? Duration champ Bivins?